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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR79.81

R79.81

Abnormal blood-gas level

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R79.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal blood-gas level.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Abnormal blood-gas levels refer to deviations from the normal range of gases in the blood, primarily oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as pH levels. These abnormalities can indicate various underlying health issues, including respiratory disorders, metabolic imbalances, or cardiovascular problems. Common symptoms associated with abnormal blood-gas levels may include shortness of breath, confusion, fatigue, and cyanosis. Clinically, blood-gas analysis is performed to assess the adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation, as well as to evaluate acid-base balance. Abnormal results may suggest conditions such as respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, or respiratory alkalosis, necessitating further investigation and management. The interpretation of blood-gas levels requires an understanding of the patient's clinical context, including their medical history, presenting symptoms, and any concurrent conditions that may influence gas exchange and acid-base status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions that can cause abnormal blood-gas levels.
  • Need for comprehensive clinical context to accurately interpret results.
  • Potential overlap with other respiratory and metabolic codes.
  • Variability in laboratory reference ranges and interpretation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings leading to the abnormal blood-gas level.
  • Failure to link the abnormal finding to a specific diagnosis.
  • Misinterpretation of laboratory results without clinical correlation.
  • Coding based solely on lab results without considering patient symptoms.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Clear documentation of the patient's history, physical examination findings, and the clinical rationale for the blood-gas analysis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, or metabolic disorders presenting with respiratory distress.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation reflects the severity and duration of symptoms to support the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate documentation of acute symptoms, vital signs, and the urgency of the situation leading to blood-gas analysis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute respiratory failure, severe asthma exacerbations, or shock.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical; ensure that the urgency of the condition is clearly stated.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R79.81 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the abnormal blood
  • gas level is documented in conjunction with the underlying condition
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture the complete clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R79.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

82803CPT Code

Arterial blood gas analysis

Clinical Scenario

Used when assessing patients with respiratory distress or metabolic imbalances.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the test and the clinical findings leading to the analysis.

Specialty Considerations

In emergency medicine, rapid documentation of the patient's condition is crucial.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal blood-gas levels, improving the granularity of data for clinical analysis and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal blood-gas levels, improving the granularity of data for clinical analysis and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of abnormal blood-gas levels?

Common causes include respiratory diseases (like COPD and asthma), metabolic disorders (such as diabetic ketoacidosis), and cardiovascular conditions that affect gas exchange.